The stories that made the headlines on the Surf Coast in 2020
Sharks attacks have had swimmers on high alert along the Surf Coast this year, with several scary encounters recounted in 2020. Read all the details of those and other major news events and development battles that rocked the region this year.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From shark attacks to a $350 million sports hub getting the stamp of approval – 2020 has been full of big news events on the Surf Coast. Surf Coast reporter Natalee Kerr looks at the stories that made the headlines this year.
COVID ON THE COAST
In March, the social and economic effects of coronavirus began to flow to the Surf Coast – beginning with the cancellation of iconic sporting event, the Rip Curl Pro.
Major events such as the Cadel Evans Road Race, Falls Festival and Pier to Pub were also called off later in the year.
Popular beaches also faced closures after people flocked to them during March, defying social distancing advice.
Some coastal caravan parks even imposed a ban to Melburnians from six COVID-19 hot spots in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
Accommodation providers were urged to cancel their bookings ahead of the Easter long weekend, while implementing roadblocks on the Great Ocean Road to stop holiday traffic was also flagged as a potential solution.
SHARK ATTACKS
In May, one surfing-backpacker came close to a disaster after a run in with a shark near Bells Beach.
The French tourist, who's right leg required several stitches, was about 30 metres from the shore at Southside when he was attacked.
Later in December, a group of Jan Juc surfers shared their run-in with a “five-metre” great white shark, which appears to have made a habit of eyeing off boardriders around Port Campbell.
TORQUAY DEVELOPMENTS
In May, plans for a multimillion development on the Geelong Road came back on the radar after a resubmitted planning application was lodged with Surf Coast Shire Council.
The new plans featured a three-storey backpackers hostel, with the development already set to include a 600-seat cinema, KFC and service station.
The proposal attracted more than 50 objections, including from a nearby retirement village, who feared the “party central” backpackers, less than 20 metres away from their units, would cause disturbance.
Council failed to make a decision on the development within the required 60-day period, prompting the applicant to take the proposal to the state’s planning tribunal.
Plans for a five-storey hotel in Torquay were also stopped in its tracks after the developer ran into financial troubles, which led to the land being sold to another buyer in November.
It came after a long battle from residents to stop the facility, with fears it would turn the town into Surf Coast’s “high-rise capital”.
TORQUAY POOL IN LIMBO
Plans for a multimillion aquatic centre and pool in Torquay made waves in June with councillors voted to back the project.
The long-awaited centre was set to include a 50 metre pool, warm-water pool, gym and fitness rooms and had the backing of $30 million in government funding.
But council said it could only be built once it secures a further $8.5 million in government grants to cover construction costs.
In September, council revealed an application for a $9 million grant was unsuccessful, leaving the facility in limbo heading into 2021.
FIGHT OVER PLASTIC ROAD BLOCKS
In July, furious residents and a developer hit back at council’s decision to close four Torquay roads with “big, ugly, plastic” barricades.
The roadblocks, which residents say were installed without community consultation, were initially set to remain in place until late 2021 while a nearby intersection was completed.
But in November, residents tabled a 855-signature petition demanding the barriers to be removed “immediately”, with council later deciding it would do so by the end of December.
$350M SPORTS HUB
In October, the State Government gave the green light to the $350 million CORA development in Modewarre, with construction pegged to begin next year.
The 220 hectare sport, health and tourism precinct will feature world class training, education, sports science and medical facilities.
The proposal, which was first revealed in 2017, also includes 128 room hotel, eco-lodges, a retail village, restaurants and a childcare centre.
The hub is set to create 1700 jobs, drawing 350,000 visitors a year and $103 million a year into the local economy.
LEAKING DAM
More than 100 Torquay residents were evacuated from their homes in the early hours of an October morning, amid fears a 180-megalitre dam would collapse and flood the area.
SES crews were called to the Zeally Sands Estate following reports of a leak at the large neighbouring private dam.
An investigation of the leak discovered it was caused by an uncapped pipe in the dam, which led water to the now-residential land adjoining the property.
The dam owner was issued a directions notice after the incident, but South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said he was “unconvinced” the dam could “ever be safe”.
Originally published as The stories that made the headlines on the Surf Coast in 2020
Unique Vic ‘fairyland’ village has volcanic rock home, 12m bore
A huge Victorian property with three private residences has hit the market — with one of the owners’ describing it as their own little “fairyland”. SEE WHY.
No more Cats clash: AFL Barwon moves GFNL final start times
Footy fans can now attend the GFNL preliminary final and Geelong’s preliminary final on the same day.